Our yesterdays

Saturday

Oct 31, 2009 at 3:15 AM

By Warren D. Huse125 YEARS AGO (1884)from The Laconia Democrat

French Canadian residents crowded into Folsom Hall, Oct. 24, for a Democratic rally. N.J. Dyer introduced the speakers in both French and English. "The meeting may be regarded as a most important one, not only from the fact that it was the first French Canadan political demonstration ever held in this town, but that it was, also a complete success, both in point of numbers and enthusiasm."

The Belknap County Milk Producers Association was "on the gain and a pronounced success. The first time that the milk car went down over the road it carried only 51 cans of milk, which has been increased until at the present it carries 200 cans or a gain of 149 cans in just 7 weeks."

The two combination cars (including mail, baggage and smoking departments) just finished by the Laconia Car Co. had "gone their way, which leaves the paint shop entirely empty (so far as passenger work is concerned) at least for the present. The freight also, is in the same condition, save a solitary specimen of the 'Eastman Heater' pattern awaiting orders. On the whole, business looks remarkably quiet all along the line. The lull in the regular order of construction is being improved by the building of the new boiler house near the former site of the old saw mill. This edifice is 30 by 50 feet, walls 13 feet to be covered by a fire proof roof. Here will be located three boilers which will have a capacity for furnishing steam for the entire works, not only for motive power, but also for heating purposes ... The prospects for a flourishing business about the works this winter are not very encouraging."

100 YEARS AGO (1909)

from The Laconia Democrat

Rev. Father Dubois' "grand bazaar for the benefit of the Sacred Heart church" was in progress at Moulton Opera House this week "and is attracting big crowds. There are booths for the sale of all kinds of articles, including refreshments, and there is something doing to interest patrons every minute."

A syndicate had "bought Mark island, one of the large islands of Lake Winnipesaukee, among what is known as 'The Forties' ... A number of cottages and bungalows are to be put up this fall. Archie Lewis, who has been on the United States mail boat Uncle Sam during the summer, has charge of the construction. Mark island is quite heavily wooded and has a sharp slope to the high hill in the centre, which commands a fine view of the surrounding country. For many years there was a flag staff at the summit, surrounded by a pile of stones, and tourists generally added one or more to the pile."

75 YEARS AGO (1934)

from The Democrat & The Citizen

According to Police Chief George N. Hubbard, this year's observance of Hallowe'en was "the quietest that this city has witnessed in many a year. With the exception of the arrests of a couple of drunks everything was calm and serene. Of course kids paraded around attired in sheets and more or less grotesque costumes, rang doorbells, and shot peas against the windows but property damage as a result of the usual Hallowe'en pranks was at a minimum. One juvenile was taken to police headquarters and cautioned about damaging property but take it, all and all, the children of the city conducted themselves ... in a most commendable manner." (LD)

The city's "new landing field" off North Main Street was "fast nearing completion." As of Oct. 29, "the long runways are now in excellent condition and over the week end two planes landed on the field. The planes using the runway are those owned by Roland Hayes of Ashland and Howard Booth of Tilton. Owing to the strong wind which swept over the field yesterday, the fliers did not attempt to take off." (LEC)

The partnership of Lougee-Robinson Co. was "dissolved and terminated. A new partnership was formed," Oct. 23, "by F.H. Lougee, M.M. Robinson, C.D. Lougee and E.H. Shannon, all of Laconia," who would "continue and operate the business under the same firm name of Lougee-Robinson Company." (LD)

50 YEARS AGO (1959)

from The Laconia Citizen

Control or elimination of "the algae nuisance on Lake Winnisquam" was the topic of a breakfast meeting, Oct. 29, of the Laconia Chamber of Commerce Recreation and Lakes Committee. First step "should be an analysis of the cause," Dr. Armand Bibeau of St. Anselm's College stated. "A program which 'only treats the symptoms could prove very expensive and even dangerous,' he warned. 'We must find the cause and remove it ... we must find out what we are putting into the lake that causes the trouble." Sewage, either treated or raw was suspected, as was "the discharge from industrial plants or runoff from farming areas or pastures." In the past 10 years, "there has been a change from the use of soaps to detergents and even this might be the cause." Terrence Frost of the state Water Pollution Commission, also spoke.

Dr. Percy B. Goetschius, formerly of Manchester, was appointed deputy superintendent at Laconia State School. A graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine, he had practiced privately in Manchester from 1916-1949 and, since 1949, had served as post surgeon at the Springfield, Mass., armory.

Gilford's Penny Pitou, "the top-rated woman skier in the world," told her own story in the November issue of New Hampshire Profiles magazine. "The 20-year-old Gilford girl went to Europe three years ago as a relatively unknown skier, and came back last year as the famous woman who had beaten the Europeans at their own game. She will represent the United States in the 1960 Olympics at Squaw Valley, California."

Winners in the 37th annual speaking contest, Oct. 30, for the Dennis O'Shea cup at Laconia High School were George Locke, first in dramatic declamation; Helena Ballou, second; Jeffrey Bowen, first in humorous and Deborah Spencer, second. The Sachem Serenaders provided judging interlude music. Judges were Mrs. Lawrence W. Guild, Attorney William Krasnow and Alma Gallagher.

From Alfred D. Rosenblatt's "Out of My Head" column: "New dial system is really marvelous. Other day wanted to call Dallas, Texas. Called Dallas information, got number, dialed it, got Dallas, all in less than two minutes. Really remarkable."

Guy E. Moulton, 61, died, Oct. 29. He had operated a radio and television service at 853 Union Ave. for the past 11 years and was formerly employed at Lougee-Robinson Co. for 15 years.

25 YEARS AGO (1984)

from The Laconia Citizen

June Symington was retiring after 22 years with the White Mountain National Forest Service office in Laconia. "From her first position as receptionist/file clerk, she progressed to secretary for Forest Supervisor Gerald S. Wheeler, becoming in 1978 responsible for the maintenance of, the accounting and contracting of the timber sales program as well as related computer operations. During the early 1970s, she became heavily involved with initial efforts in the development of the New England Area Guide and the WMNF's first Forest Plan and subsequent Unit Plans." She was a past president of the Lakeport Woman's Club and a member of the Sweet Adelines, among a host of other civic involvements.

Fletcher W. "Punch" Atkinson, 58, president of Atkinson Oil Co., died, Oct. 27. A Navy veteran of World War II, he had lived in this area since 1950.

10 YEARS AGO (1999)

from The Citizen

Six teenagers were taken into custody, Oct. 25, in connection with the blaze, Oct. 19, that had destroyed the Lakes Region Racquet and Health Club in the O'Shea Industrial Park. "The juveniles, all between 13 and 14 years of age, were released into the custody of their parents. Four boys were charged with arson, while two girls will be charged with criminal trespass." A two-alarm fire had gutted the former health club, empty for a number of years. "The smoky inferno, which apparently had burned undetected for some time, collapsed the building's roof. The building was deemed a total loss."